Counseling for Families of Children Diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease Prenatally or Immediately after Birth

Abstract

Many congenital heart diseases are now diagnosed prenatally in Japan, thanks to advances in fetal echocardiography. However, there are still many cases where the diagnosis is made shortly after birth. This report describes counseling for parents whose children have been diagnosed with congenital heart disease. First, the purpose, practice, content, and family support of counseling for prenatal diagnosis are described. The anxiety of the expecting parents and uncertainty of the diagnosis should be carefully considered during counseling. Second, counseling for a diagnosis that is described immediately after birth can come as a surprise to the new parents, but it is possible to make a definitive diagnosis. The two scenarios are discussed. Pediatric cardiologists must have not only the clinical skills necessary to accurately diagnose heart disease but also the counseling skills necessary to provide support to the child’s parents for both prenatal and postnatal diagnoses. It is also important for pediatric cardiologists to understand their roles as counselors and team leaders.